More about the CERT Program

     The events in Louisiana and throughout the Gulf Coast, a result of Hurricane Katrina, have generated a renewed interest in disaster preparedness.  There has been a realization that not all emergency service personnel will be everywhere at once, especially when a disaster strikes. So, through the Department of Homeland Security, CERT was formed and funded. CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. This idea is to train people living in neighborhoods to take care of themselves and their families for 7-10 days. This will allow the first responders to accomplish their difficult mission of major fire suppression, rescue and emergency medical treatment. CERT members are taught to put out small fires, shut off gas and electric utilities, light search and rescue, and triage and basic wound treatment. Other topics such as putting together your own disaster kit, home hazard, how to identify a terrorist attack, disaster psychology and the Incident Command System are discussed. The CERT training is 20 hours long, and consists of hands on training and concludes with a drill. Anyone who is 18 years old and older can participate in the training. Our past classes have consisted of people of all ages, including senior citizens and handicapped individuals. We ask participants to assemble supplies that consist of a hardhat, goggles, gloves, first aid kit, reflective bright colored vest, and a flashlight. We also encourage some participants to assemble further supplies consisting of wood 2X4’s & 4X4’s, crow bars & pry bars, small walkie-talkies for neighborhood communication, backboards, blankets, fire extinguishers and crescent wrenches.

Once a disaster strikes, CERT team members are encouraged to go to their own homes first and check on their families and homes. Then, they assemble at a pre-designated area, preferably a park, school, church or other neighborhood building. The first CERT team member on scene becomes the CERT Team Leader…as other CERT team members arrive; the Team Leader assigns tasks to groups of 2 or more team members. There is a fire suppression/utility control team, a search and rescue team and a triage/treatment team. These teams fan out into the neighborhood and look for people to rescue and treat fires to put out and utilities to shut off. CERT teams always work together in 2’s and safety is the utmost importance. CERT team members do not enter collapsed or severely damaged buildings, even if someone is trapped inside.

The reality of a disaster is the infrastructure may be severely impacted, buildings will be heavily damaged or collapsed, and people we know and love may be injured or killed. Another responsibility of CERT team members is to set up a temporary morgue and notify family members of a loved one’s passing.

CERT training does not include first aid or CPR, although this training is available elsewhere. There is not enough time during a triage situation to do CPR so CERT team members are taught how to open an airway, and treat severe bleeding and shock. Once the victims are transported to a medical treatment area, then they are given first aid treatment. The Cert Team Leader will report their findings to the local Emergency Operations Center to keep the police and fire departments appraised of the number of buildings collapsed and damaged, and the number of dead and injured.

CERT is an excellent way for everyone across the nation to be on the same page about disaster preparedness. We all need to make the time to prepare ourselves for the inevitable. As Maria Shriver stated: “Be Smart, Be responsible, Be Prepared. Be Ready!

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